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Noesi, Walker at Double-A as Minor League rosters set

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Top Prospects: Walker, SEA 0:30

2013 MLB.com Top Prospects: Taijuan Walker has all the tools to be a top-of-the-rotation starter

By Greg Johns
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MLB.com |

OAKLAND -- Minor League rosters were set on Wednesday and there were a couple of surprises, including former Mariners starter Hector Noesi beginning the year in Double-A Jackson, where he'll join top prospect Taijuan Walker.

Noesi pitched 30 games in relief for the Yankees in 2011 before being traded to the Mariners in the Michael Pineda-Jesus Montero deal. He started 18 games for Seattle last year, but went 2-12 with a 5.82 ERA and then 2-6 with a 5.74 ERA in Triple-A Tacoma. After a rough spring, the 26-year-old right-hander has now been asked to start this year at the Double-A level.

Tacoma has a starting rotation with an interesting mix of prospects and veterans with Danny Hultzen, James Paxton, Jeremy Bonderman, D.J. Mitchell and Brian Sweeney in the mix. Catcher Mike Zunino, last year's first-round Draft pick, will work with that group after splitting last year between Class A and Double-A ball.

The Jackson roster includes infielder Brad Miller and catcher John Hicks, two youngsters who impressed the Mariners this spring. Chance Ruffin, another pitcher with Major League experience, is also opening at Jackson as he's being converted to a starting candidate.

Right-handed starter Erasmo Ramirez will begin the year on Tacoma's seven-day disabled list after dealing with arm soreness late in camp while competing for a rotation berth with the Mariners.